Journey at a glance
- Day 1 Arrive in Shanghai
- Day 2 The Stories Hidden in Shanghai’s Streets
- Day 3 A Blend of Ancient Wellness and Contemporary Shanghai
- Day 4 Depart from Shanghai
About this Journey
Shanghai is a city of contrasts, where centuries-old traditions meet one of the world’s most dynamic urban landscapes. Once a modest fishing settlement, it grew into a global trading hub shaped by international influences, leaving behind a legacy of grand colonial architecture, historic neighborhoods, and cultural treasures. Today, the elegance of the Bund and the charm of the former French Concession stand alongside Pudong’s futuristic skyline, reflecting a city constantly reinventing itself. Discover the many layers of Shanghai, from its storied past to its contemporary creativity, through a journey beyond the city’s iconic landmarks.
Tour Highlights
- Sailing along the Huangpu River aboard a private yacht, experiencing Shanghai’s most iconic skyline in a refined setting
- Exploring Shanghai’s contemporary art scene with an expert, visiting creative spaces that define the city’s cultural landscape
- Decoding your personal fortune through a bazi reading with a feng shui master, guided by Chinese philosophy
YOUR JOURNEY
Route Map
Select a route section to explore the map. Tap a stop for its location or use the directions link for the next leg. Flights, trains, cruises and hiking arrangements follow your itinerary.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Shanghai
• Arrive in Shanghai, where your local guide will greet you and transfer you to your hotel.
• Stroll along the Bund, taking in its historic waterfront and the Pudong skyline across the Huangpu River.
• Cruise the Huangpu River aboard a private yacht, passing between the Bund and Lujiazui as the city lights up after dark.
Day 2 The Stories Hidden in Shanghai’s Streets
• Explore Yuyuan Garden with an expert horticulturist, uncovering the stories and traditions behind one of Shanghai’s most celebrated classical gardens.
• Enjoy lunch in the Former French Concession before exploring its distinctive architecture and historic residences with an expert guide.
• Sample premium Chinese wines at a local winebar, followed by a guided tour and dinner at the beautifully restored Prada Rongzhai mansion.
Day 3 A Blend of Ancient Wellness and Contemporary Shanghai
• Discover Shanghai’s contemporary art scene at the West Bund with an expert curator, exploring leading museums and gaining insight into the artists, works, and ideas shaping China’s art world.
• End the day with the spectacular ERA2 performance, enjoying VIP seating for a high-energy showcase of Chinese acrobatics and stagecraft.
Day 4 Depart from Shanghai
• Dive into China’s fast-evolving consumer scene, exploring homegrown brands, emerging trends, and the creative concepts shaping how a new generation shops, eats, and connects with brands.
• Ride Shanghai’s high-speed Maglev train to the airport, reaching speeds of up to 300 km/h on a fittingly futuristic final journey through the city.
• Continue your onward journey, with your local guide assisting with the airport transfer and flight check-in.
Optional Extension: Tongli Water Town
Step into the timeless charm of Tongli Water Town, exploring historic lanes, picturesque canals, and a UNESCO-listed classical Suzhou garden. Glide along the waterways by private wooden boat before enjoying tea, local snacks, and traditional performances at one of China’s oldest operating teahouses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which destinations are part of Shanghai Highlife?
The suggested route includes Shanghai and The Stories Hidden in Shanghai’s Streets. The order, available stops and travel connections are confirmed for your dates and can change with opening hours, local conditions and the arrangements in your proposal.
How is the visit to The Stories Hidden in Shanghai’s Streets incorporated into this trip?
The Stories Hidden in Shanghai’s Streets is listed in the suggested itinerary. Its timing, the amount of time available and the way you reach it will be included in your final proposal, taking into account the rest of your route and any local access restrictions.
Can Shanghai Highlife be adjusted to our dates and interests?
Yes. Tell us where you plan to arrive and depart, how many people are traveling, and the places or experiences you value most. We can discuss a tailored route, subject to available services, access and the time needed between stops.
What is included in the price of Shanghai Highlife?
Your written proposal will identify the agreed transport, guide services, hotels or cruise accommodation, admission fees and meals. International flights, optional activities and other items vary by program, so ask us to confirm them before booking.
Hotels
Photos
Bvlgari Hotel Shanghai 5 star Bvlgari Hotel Shanghai blends Italian elegance with Shanghai’s modern energy, offering a refined riverside stay where timeless design, culinary excellence, and panoramic city views meet.
Photos
Photos Chartered Yacht on the Huangpu River Yuyuan Garden Seasonal Chinese Cooking Class Mishang Prada Rongzhai Tongli Water Town
Details
What’s Included
- Services of an English-speaking local guide
- Accommodation based on double occupancy with breakfasts included
- All overland transfers with private chauffeur and in-transport refreshments
- Private chauffeur service to and from airport at start and end of your trip
- All admission fees and activity expenses, as noted in the itinerary
- Meals as noted in the itinerary with complimentary drinking water
What’s Excluded
- International and domestic flights, domestic trains, plus relevant taxes
- Chinese tourist visa, which is required for most foreign passport holders
- Travel and medical insurance
- Meals, apart from those included in the itinerary, and alcohol
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Excursions and activities not included in the itinerary
- Discretionary gratuities for guides and drivers
TAILOR-MADE TRAVEL
Request This Tour
Tell us your preferred dates, group size, and interests. We will prepare a personal proposal for your China journey.
Request the Tour